By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
Two inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service,NCS, Eket have regained their freedom following the intervention of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) Pyrates Confraternity, Atlantic Shores Deck.
The release of the inmates who were serving sentences of two and twelve years according to Mr Utibe Ikot, the Capone of the Association was in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG),16 which focused on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Ikot said at a ceremony in Ekwt last weekend that Seadogs also paid the fines for the release of the inmates and expressed confidence that the intervention would give the inmates a new lease of life and contribute to the decongestion of the already overcrowded correctional facility.
The Capone further stated that the gesture was also to celebrate their, “Weekend of Service to Humanity”, which resonates with theme of our platinum Jubilee, “70 years of service to humanity”.
“It is another vivid demonstration of the Association’s abiding commitment to lend a hand to mankind. It mirrors the Pyrate’s fidelity to the second rudder blade – All before Self, which places people at the centre of our activities for humanistic Ideals.” He said.
He exlained that the association founded in 1952 by Woke Soyinka had contributed to national development through various advocacy and humanitarian projects and have continued to inspire hope in communities across five continents and the countries where their chapters exist.
“We aim to rededicate ourselves to increased significant achievements by answering in sincerity and action the founding humanistic question: “What can you do to raise that community to the highest level of fulfilment?” He said.
Ikot listed some recent interventions in the year to include; an Awareness Campaign against Vote Trading and Electoral Impunity; and Awareness Raising on Diabetes Mellitus while a Free Medical Mission has been planned for implementation next month.
Also speaking, Mr George Njoku, the Deputy Controller, NCS, Eket Divisional Centre, said that the Correctional facility was built for 106 inmates but has been housing 305 inmates.
Njoku said that he had built a mechanic workshop for the inmates to acquire skills and was partnering the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) even as 15 inmates has received driving license and called for improved partnership with NAS.
